Atlanta Hawks: 5 players who need to keep producing in John Collins absence

Atlanta Hawks player stepping up No. 2) Onyeka Okongwu

The rookie, Onyeka Okongwu has been a different player in the last two games. This has coincided with the arrival of Lou Williams who knows how to use a big man who lives close to the hoop, given what he achieved partnered with Montrezl Harrell.

For the first time in his career, Okongwu had a double-digit scoring night against the San Antonio Spurs and then followed it up with another one the night after against the New Orleans Pelicans. He does not have the ability yet to replicate Collins scoring efforts but averaged 10.5 points for the two games, which is way higher than his season average of 3.2 per game.

However, Okongwu has also stepped up his rebounding in the past two games. His season average is 2.6 rebounds per game, with Collins out he is averaging 7.0 per game, missing out on a double-double by a single rebound against the Pelicans.

If Okongwu can keep this level of production up, or at least something similar, then he is a good chance to keep earning rotation minutes even when Collins returns. He is now able to show why he was considered the second-best big man in the 2020 NBA draft and this will allow McMillan to rest his better big men for what could potentially be a deep playoff run.